What is the Visual Impairment Support Team?
The Visually Impairment Support Team provides services for children with a visual impairment. Some of the children supported will also have additional needs.
Pre-School Support
Advice and support is offered to families through visits to the home and at a weekly pre-school group which is currently run at the R:ED Centre. Support is also given in maintained and non-maintained pre-school settings.
Primary and High School
Support is offered throughout a child's school life.
This may include:
- Direct teaching
- Advice to schools
- Modification of resources
- Assessment of functional vision
- Provision and maintenance of equipment
- Training in specialist skills eg braille
- Liaison with statutory and voluntary agencies
- Provision of sports and social activities
Mobility and Independence Training
It is the aim of the team to help children who are visually impaired to become as independent and safe as possible. Each child receives an assessment and then appropriate training will be offered. The Mobility Support Worker will provide this.
The Mobility Support Worker also provides guidance on the safety and accessibility of schools and nurseries where a child with a visual impairment attends.
Joint Working
The team comprises of:
1 Manager, 1 Advisory Teacher, 1 Specialist Teacher, 2 SSAs and Mobility Support Worker.
The team work closely with the bury orthoptic service as well as other agencies in education, social services, connexions and the voluntary sector.
Contact us:-
The Visual Impairment Support Team (VIST)
Sensory Support
School Street Annexe
School Street
Radcliffe
Manchester
M26 3BP
Telephone us on: 0161 253 7159
E-mail us on: cds@bury.gov.uk
